Sheffield Theatres Announces Eclipse Residency

Eclipse Theatre Company is to have a new home at Sheffield's Crucible.
Eclipse Theatre, under the Artistic Direction of Dawn Walton, are pioneers in producing culturally diverse theatre for regional venues. Formed in 2001, Eclipse has recently established itself as an independent Trust with a new board of directors.

Daniel Evans, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres said "We are thrilled to welcome Eclipse to the Crucible. This is an exciting partnership for many mutually beneficial reasons. We hope that their new office base at the Crucible will offer Eclipse greater stability and support, while Sheffield Theatres will undoubtedly benefit from working alongside Eclipse's pioneering vision. This is an exciting time for both organisations as it offers a unique opportunity for us to encourage diversity within the world of theatre."

Dawn Walton Artistic Director for Eclipse said "The partnership between Eclipse Theatre Company and Sheffield Theatres is a unique opportunity to create a model of 21st century regional theatre that has diversity at its core. I am delighted that Eclipse Theatre Company will make its home in the exciting and vibrant Crucible at the heart of Sheffield."

Eclipse Theatre was originated to tour middle-scale Black work to the regions which it has done to critical acclaim. The company has produced The Hounding of David Oluwale, Michael X and most recently Sus and has developEd Strong relationships with some of the UK's most culturally relevant writers including Roy Williams and Oladipo Agboluaje. Eclipse's aim is to place diversity at the core of regional theatre programming.

Having spent some time in Sheffield directing There's Only One Wayne Matthews this year, Dawn realised that the leadership at Sheffield Theatres shared her passion for producing high quality, culturally relevant theatre. Through discussions between Dawn, Sheffield Theatres' Chief Executive, Dan Bates and Artistic Director, Daniel Evans, the two organisations have identified their shared values and commitment to developing audiences, and whilst the Crucible offers a strong regional base for the new company, there is also the potential for the two companies to collaborate on future productions.

Box Office 0114 249 6000 Online www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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